Apple’s Transition to USB-C: The End of the Lightning Port and its Impact on the Industry

After transitioning all iPhone 15 models to the USB-C standard, Apple devices now use the same connection port as other devices worldwide. This change has been long-awaited, as Apple has made efforts to standardize the connector used for charging and data transfer on their other devices, such as the iPad and Macbook. The introduction of the iPhone 15 models marked the end of the era of the Lightning charging port that Apple has been using since 2012, which previously required separate cables and adapters. This transition to USB-C has several important implications. It addresses environmental concerns about e-waste generated by proprietary cables like Lightning, reduces financial burden on consumers who had to constantly replace cables, and improves cable durability and performance. The European Commission has promoted the use of standardized cables to reduce electronic waste, and the European Parliament pushed for universal chargers, leading to Apple’s decision to switch to USB-C earlier than planned. However, this change in standard will impact Apple’s revenue, as the company earned a significant amount from the sale of Lightning cables and licensing fees for MFi (Made for iPhone) accessories. USB-C offers faster data transfer speeds and compatibility with various electronic devices, making it a widely adopted industry standard. Not all iPhone 15 models have the same USB-C port specification, with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max offering USB-C 3 ports with faster transfer speeds, while the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus come with USB-C 2 ports. It is important to note that USB ports come in different versions and offer varying power output and data transfer rates. USB 3.0, USB 3.1, and USB 3.2 are different iterations of the same port, with higher numbers indicating faster speeds. Only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models support 10Gbps data transfer speeds. Additionally, while Android phones have been using USB-C for some time, they also primarily operate at USB 2 speeds, similar to the iPhone 15 models.

Little information after all iPhone15 models switched to the USB-C standard, resulting in Apple devices using the same connection port as other devices around the world.

Although Apple, the tech giant, has long since started to standardize the connector (port) used for charging and data transfer on other devices, including the iPad and Macbook, what many people are watching is that the iPhone will replace the Lightning charging port itself when Because it will allow Apple devices to connect to their devices. and other models more easily

When the 4 iPhone15 models were launched on September 12, 2023, including iPhone15, iPhone15+, iPhone15 Pro and iPhone15 Pro Max, it was considered the end of the legend of the charging cable and Lightning port that Apple had used since 2012 and which led to others. devices. Everything produced from now on will be standardized and use the same cables worldwide.

This change is important in many ways. Whether it’s the environmental issue that Apple is often accused of creating unnecessary e-waste by refusing to switch to USB C cables, or the issue of placing huge financial value on Lightning cables, or the technical and performance issues of the cable -USB C port

“Prachachat Turakij” has gathered together some tips related to Lightning and USB C as follows:

1. Apple still doesn’t need to switch to a cable port.

This issue arises from the Problem of electronic waste or discarded products containing electrical or electronic components, such as computers, smartphones, televisions and batteries, according to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, a report by the United Nations. It states that 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste was generated worldwide in 2019, of which only 17.4% was properly recycled.

One cause of this issue is the Lightning cable, a proprietary connector that Apple devices have used since 2012. Lightning cables are designed to be incompatible with other standards, such as USB-C or micro-USB, which n means that users will have to buy a new cable or adapter every time they change devices or upgrade hardware;

Apple is often criticized for its tendency to wear Lightning cables. And they often fail after a few months of use. This leads to more waste and higher costs for consumers and the environment, and Apple and others in the tech community have long disputed their effectiveness and the durability of the cable. long

In 2018, the European Commission raised the issue of electronic waste. Especially when it comes to charging cables which create over 10,000 tonnes of waste per year. And it is possible to reduce this waste by promoting the use of the same type of cable instead.

According to a study and impact assessment carried out by the European Commission in 2019, 50% of charging cables sold with mobile phones had a USB micro-B connector, 29% of charging cables had a USB-C connector and 29% had a USB-C. Connector C. Lightning connector charge 21%

Therefore, we began to think that cables should be of the same standard. It can be used in place of all equipment When USB C was compared and standardized, USB C should be the basic standard. At the time, Apple warned that forcing the replacement of charging ports hindered innovation and contributed to the creation of e- waste. This is because users are forced to replace their charging cables with new ones.

In the EU period 2021-2022, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of universal chargers. Referring to less environmental loss. And user convenience is a top priority, forcing Apple to replace its original Lightning cable with USB C by December 2024.

So, it can be said that Apple has changed the charging port-cable standard to USB C earlier than planned.

2. Changing the cable to USB C will affect revenue of about 150,000 million baht.

Apple has a way of making accessories. By setting the MFi (Made For iPhone) standard for factories or companies that come to produce these add-ons. Especially the production of Lightning ports, receivers and charging heads (male and female), a company that uses Apple standards to produce for sale. You will have to pay Apple about 3,000 baht per year and a Factory Inspection fee of about 70,000 baht each time and you will receive a 20-25% share of accessory sales from companies that manufacture products that use the symbol MFi.

If revenue from sales of Apple’s own Lightning charging cable is included, Apple has more revenue from sales. and the share of MFi copyright is approximately 150,000 million baht per year.

Therefore, when the standard for charging channels or ports and cables is changed, all charging cables can be used with Apple, no longer having to rely on cables that only use Apple devices or the MFi standard as of the front. So, it may have a huge impact on income here.

3. Replace the USB-C port, making data transfer devices faster in the future.

USB-C or Universal Serial Bus Type-C is the standard connector for modern electronic devices. It comes with a 24-pin symmetrical design, which means you can insert it any way you want without worrying about which side is facing up. and is an industry standard connector. It is widely used in various manufacturers and equipment. Including laptops, smartphones and accessories.

In addition to being widely compatible with electronic devices, also having faster speed as 10Gbps With the newer USB 3.1 standard too.

Apple’s switch to iPhone with USB-C means a single cable for all Apple devices (Mac, iPad, AirPods Pro 2nd generation, etc.) and an easier connection to Android phones for faster data transfer (iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max and future devices) Faster charging (USB 3.0 allows faster output) External display support

4. Apple provides different USB ports.

Not all of the four iPhone models released this year – iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max – offer the same USB-C port.

Only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have a USB-C 3 port (with a maximum speed of 10Gbps). The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus come with the older USB-C 2 (with a maximum speed of 480Mbps), although this does not affect the charging speed But it will affect the data transfer.

However, USB Type-A, Type-B, and Type-C are just connector types. These ports are further divided into different versions such as USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, etc. All versions offer increased power output and data transfer rates.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus include USB-C 2.0, which is compatible with the Lightning Connector on the latest iPhone models (iPhone 14, 13, 12-series, etc.).

On the other hand, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with A17 Bionic have faster USB-C 3 speeds to quickly transfer ProRAW photos and 4K video to your Mac.

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max line includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports that can transfer data at rates up to 10Gbps or 1.25GBps and are backward compatible with USB 2.0 accessories.

Gadget Info states that USB 3.2 Gen 1 is the same as USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB 3.0. Likewise, USB 3.2 Gen 2 is the same as USB 3.1 Gen 2 and USB 3.1.

USB 3.0 = USB 3.1 Generation 1 = USB 3.2 Generation 1 = (5Gbps)
USB 3.1 = USB 3.1 Generation 2 = USB 3.2 Generation 2 (10Gbps)
USB-C on iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max also supports DisplayPort output.

Therefore, support for 10Gbps data transfer speeds will only be with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Currently, Apple’s 60W and 240W USB-C cables only support USB 2 speeds and are not yet support 10Gbps data transfer speeds. Requires a Thunderbolt 4 cable, which Apple sells separately for $69 or about 2,400 baht.

5. Android mobile phone Get the same speed as normal iPhone15.

After launching the iPhone 15 with a USB port, Apple was criticized. Switched to USB and still doesn’t come with a USB 3 cable. It only provides USB 2 speed. In fact, at the moment, every mobile phone from the Android side, even if it has been using USB C for a long time, also provides a USB 2 port. with iPhone15 and 15+

All iPhone 15 models come with a USB-Type fast charging cable that supports USB 2.0 only. Even if you buy iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, you will not get USB 3 transfer speed. To enable USB 3.0 on iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max 10Gbps speed, a Thunderbolt 4 cable must be purchased separately.

The new Thunderbolt 4 cable may seem expensive. It supports USB 4 data transfers up to 40Gb/s, USB 3.2 data transfers up to 10Gb/s, DisplayPort video output (HBR3), and charging up to 100W. Otherwise, look no further than third-party USB-C 3 cables. Supports USB 3.1 or 10Gbps transfer rates at an affordable price when purchased from Apple.

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